Diagnosis and Tests for Bladder Pain Syndrome Diagnosis and Tests for Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis) can be challenging because no single test confirms the condition. Doctors typically diagnose it by ruling out other possible causes of chronic bladder and pelvic pain. A detailed medical evaluation, symptom history, and ruling out infections or anatomical issues are essential to reaching a diagnosis. 1. Medical history and symptom assessment 2. Urine tests 3. Bladder diary 4. Pelvic examination 5. Cystoscopy 6. Potassium sensitivity test (not commonly used in SA) Other conditions that must be ruled out: In South Africa, cystoscopy is available at specialist urology centres and major hospitals, but wait times in the public sector may delay diagnosis. In the absence of cystoscopy, diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation and exclusion of infection. Diagnosis and Tests for Bladder Pain Syndrome Once diagnosed, patients can begin a targeted treatment journey based on symptom severity and lifestyle factors. 👉 [Next: Treatment Options for Bladder Pain Syndrome]